Carluccio`s Live Opera Evening (London)

Yesterday, my husband and I went to Carluccio`s for a night of delightful recital of live opera and for equally delicious food. And we were not disappointed. Our starters included sweet and sour peppers and almonds, mixed olives, spicy salami, homemade olive focaccia, `caponata` Sicilian stew and bread balls with parmesan, pecorino and capers, served with a tomato sauce. A refreshing prosecco added a vibrant note to a great selection of our antipasti.

And then the opera singers (left-to-right on the photo) – Paddy Ashcroft, Hannah Kirk, and Nina Morton – started their performance, accompanied by a pianist – Peter Bailey. Their repertoire was broad and exciting. They expertly delivered pieces from Carmen ( Bizet), La Traviata (Verdi), Le Nozze Di Figaro (Mozart) and many more. Paddy Ashcroft excelled in Brodsky`s Be My Love, Nina Morton shone in Rossini`s Cat Duet, while Hannah Kirk outrivalled everyone else with her brilliant rendition of One Fine Day from Puccini`s Madam Butterfly.

A rich-flavoured but tender braised lamb shank was served with a celeriac and carrot puree as our main course, followed by a delicate set cream with coulis and fresh raspberries. 

And the performers came back with a tailor-made programme that – this time – included light-hearted and uplifting tunes from Paganini, Strauss and Bernstein`s West Side Story. Their voices almost shattered our wine glasses, and ensured the frenzy of excitement and long-lasting rounds of applause from the diners.

 

What an amazing night!